Averages for Goa in March

Weather lowdown

The weather continues to get warmer in Goa, India in March, following on from a relatively cool January and February. During this month, the average temperature starts off at 26.5°C, created by average highs of 32°C during the daytime and lows of 21°C after dark. This increases up to 28.5°C by the end of the month, created by highs of 33°C during the daytime and lows of 24°C after dark, which makes the final week in March the best time to holiday in Goa if you want to visit when temperatures are at their highest.

Although it only happens on an average of once every ten days, temperatures have been known to rise above 36°C and fall below 19°C in Goa in March. The highest temperature ever registered in the resort at this time of year is 43°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever recorded in Goa during this month is 15°C.

Since temperatures are beginning to get fairly hot in Goa in March, this month is best reserved for holidaymakers who love high temperatures and the sunshine. If you plan on visiting the resort at this time you year, make sure you pack lots of light and airy clothing to keep you cool, as well as sunglasses, hats and suntan lotion to protect you from the sun’s rays. On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of the heat, forget about visiting Goa in March and plan your holiday for January instead, which is usually the coldest month of the year for the resort.

March is one of the driest months of the year for Goa, when the resort receives an average of 1.2mm/0 inches of rainfall which falls on a single rainy day – that’s a small increase compared to last month. The likelihood of precipitation making an appearance at this time of year starts off at 1.1% on March 1st and gradually decreases down to 0.7% by March 24th, before it rises up to 0.9% by March 31st. If you do get some wet weather during your holiday in Goa in March, it will most probably be thunderstorms (which occur on 54% of days with rainfall), moderate rain (23%), light rain (14%) or drizzle (8%).

Over the course of an average March, Goa enjoys around 11 hours of daily sunshine – that’s one hour more each day than the previous month – along with an average sea temperature of 28°C – that’s the same as the previous month. With such a high number of sunshine hours every day and such a warm sea temperature, March is the ideal month to hit the beach. If you are planning a beach day during your Goa holiday in March, try and avoid being out in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.

The median cloud coverage significantly increases as March progresses, making the first week of the month the best time to visit if you want to do a lot of sunbathing. The median cloud cover starts off at 5% on March 1st and rises up to 10% by March 21st, peaking at 13% by March 31st. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 73% of the time, partly cloudy 10% and mostly cloudy/overcast 2%.

The relative humidity for Goa in March fluctuates between 34% (comfortable) and 89% (very humid), rarely falling below 20% (dry) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid). The air tends to be driest around March 1st, when the relative humidity falls below 42% (comfortable) three days out of four, whilst it’s usually at its most humid around March 29th, when the relative humidity rises above 84% (humid) three days out of four.

During an average March, typical wind speeds range between 0 m/s (calm) and 6 m/s (moderate breeze), rarely rising over 7 m/s (moderate breeze). The highest average wind speed of 2 m/s (light breeze) happens around March 28th, when the average daily maximum is 6 m/s (moderate breeze), whilst the lowest average wind speed of 2 m/s occurs around March 1st, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s (gentle breeze).

The Leela Goa really is a hotel which has it all. Set in 75 acres of tropical gardens with an unspoilt beach, 12-hole golf course, luxury spa and world-class dining, this five-star hotel is perfect for families looking for fun and couples looking to relax. Here guests can choose between club suites with dedicated butler service, outdoor showers and private plunge pools; premiere rooms with lagoon views, WiFi access and tea/coffee making facilities; and lagoon rooms and suites with lagoon views, gourmet minibar and private balconies. There are six Asian and international restaurants onsite, located around the beach, swimming pool and gardens, as well as pool bar which serves food as well as drinks. Other onsite services and amenities include fitness studio, adult and children’s outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, beauty salon, shopping arcade and children’s entertainment.

Radisson Blu Resort Goa Cavelossim Beach is another top pick when it comes to a hotel bursting with services and amenities. Located just a 45-minute drive from the airport and steps away from Cavelossim, Calangute and Colva Beaches, this hotel features Goan-Portuguese architecture surrounded by lush gardens. Accommodation is provided in the form of superior and premium rooms, plus executive and Radisson suites. Each of the guestrooms comes with free Wifi access, LCD TV and rain shower, whilst the suites offer all that, plus complimentary daily newspaper, express laundry service and pillow menu. Onsite services and facilities include free-form swimming pool, kids’ pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, shopping arcade and Sohum Spa which offers western and Ayurvedic treatments, yoga classes and meditation sessions. Onsite dining includes the Upper Deck which serves Indian and international food, Lucio which serves Goan-Portuguese cuisine and Shandong which offers Oriental dishes, plus Sagres bar which serves drinks.

For something more affordable, consider staying at the Holiday Inn Resort Goa. Located directly on Mobor Beach in South Goa, this hotel blends traditional Goan style with contemporary design. Accommodation comes in the form of 203 guestrooms and suites, all of which come with garden, pool or sea views. Families can enjoy the games room, children’s playground and swimming pool, whilst couples can enjoy the Spa Villa which offers Ayurvedic treatments. There are four restaurants onsite – the Mediterranean Fig & Olive, the Asian Whisper of the Orient, the Indian Mardi Gras and the Beach Grill which serves freshly caught fish and seafood. There is also the Sundowner lobby-level bar which is ideally positioned for watching sun sets.

Acacia Goa is a luxury hotel situated in Northern Goa, just 500m away from the beach and close to various night markets, casinos, night clubs, bars, restaurants, spas and attractions, making it perfect for travellers who want to explore. Accommodation comes in the form of 54 superior rooms, deluxe rooms and suites, each of which features free WiFi access, air conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, LCD satellite TV, personal safe and private bathroom with hairdryer and Grohe therma-controlled child-friendly showerhead. Onsite services and facilities include spa with therapeutic and rejuvenation treatments based on Asian and western practises, steam room, swimming pool, Eat coffee shop which offers a la carte and buffet dining options, Masala Art restaurant which serves Indian cuisine, rooftop Izgara restaurant which offers charcoal-grilled food and the Sunken Bar located by the swimming pool.

Hit the beach

When it comes to remote, quiet beaches in Goa, Cola Beach ticks all the boxes. This beach is located in a secluded area in Canaconda and can only be reached by a car/scooter/tuk tuk journey over a very rocky path, so be prepared. The narrow beach is made up of golden sand peppered with large rocks, giving it a natural untouched feel, and is lined by shade-providing tropical trees on one side and clean warm waters on the other side. The sea can get dangerously rough at times, so make sure you check whether the flag is green, yellow or red before you go for a swim. Here you’ll find sun loungers available to rent – but no shades – as well as several beach shacks which serve local food and drinks.

Morjim Beach is another top pick when it comes to quiet out-of-the-way beaches. Situated in Bardez, this beach is made up of golden sand peppered with food shacks, restaurants and sun loungers which are protected by thatched shades. The sea is shallow very far out and calm most of the time, making it perfect for families with young children. Because this beach is also the nesting and hatching habitat of the Olive Ridley sea turtle, all the shacks and restaurants have to close after sunset, so definitely plan to visit during the day.

The 17th century St Cajetan’s Church is one of the lesser-visited churches in Goa. Modelled on St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, the church features Corinthian architecture inside and outside, with baroque touches in the form of rich carvings and gilded altars. Some of the church’s architectural highlights include the white façade with belfry towers and four niches which house the apostles and the main stone altar dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence. After visiting the church, you can take a walk around the local area where you’ll find many shops and cafes.

For some lively evening entertainment in Goa, spend an evening at Deltin Royale Casino. This casino is the largest and most luxurious in India, home to the only dedicated poker room in the country, in addition to an exclusive Taash room for Indian Flush. There are loads of international games here, including Texas Hold ’em Poker, American Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, slot machines, 3-card poker, 5-card poker, mini flush, Casino War, Pontoon, Money Wheel and Sic Bo. In addition to the gambling games, Deltin Royale Casino also offers Vegas-style dining, with an international buffet served up alongside live entertainment, plus the Whiskey Lounge which boasts a great choice of single malts and hand-rolled cigars.

Ourem88 is considered one of the best restaurants in Palolem. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 11pm, this eatery serves up a selection of British and European dishes, making it perfect for travellers craving a taste of home. Here you’ll find a huge menu full of creative starters, such as whiskey pate and blue cheese tartlets, traditional mains like beef wellington and red snapper, and classic desserts, such as profiteroles and chocolate cake. All the food and drinks are very reasonably priced and the hygiene and food quality is on-par with top restaurants in the UK. This restaurant is really strict about reservations, so make sure you call and book a table in advance.

Matsya Freestyle Kitchen is a rooftop restaurant located within Samata’s Tamarind Tree. Open from noon until 10pm Tuesday to Sunday, this restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner dishes made with locally-sourced fresh ingredients – some of which come from the restaurant’s private garden. Since Matsya Freestyle Kitchen only uses seasonal produce, the menu changes regularly according to what is available. The cuisine here features Asian, Mediterranean and French influences, with tuna burgers, ceviche and beef tataki regularly appearing on the menu. Due to popularity, you need to make a reservation to dine here.

Satisfy your sweet tooth by popping into Café Chocolatti. Situated in Candolim, this eatery specialises in sweet treats, including cakes, cupcakes, slices, crepes, ice cream and waffles, plus a number of savoury options, such as salads, couscous, chicken wings and sandwiches. There is an extensive drinks menu available, with teas, coffees, juices, water and fizzy drinks.